It's been called the right fit for Red Bluff, and a steady downpour Saturday evening didn't keep people away from the 4th annual Red Bluff Beef 'N Brew.

Hundreds hopped from shop to shop in the downtown area, tasting craft beer and downing beef appetizers prepared by area restaurants and ranchers as occasional lightning strikes could be seen in the distance.

Organizers said more than 30 businesses served more than 60 craft beers on Saturday.

Such was the case at Fringe Beauty Parlour on Oak Street, where the hungry and thirsty could stop for a sampling of White IPA from Deschutes Brewery out of Oregon, and then munch on smoked brisket and spicy coleslaw.

Ben Blair, who was serving the India Pale Ale, said people responded favorably to the craft beer, calling it ?refreshing.?

Though for Blair, ?just a regular old beer,? would be his preference, he said. Something with a ?smooth and refreshing taste.?

The annual Beef 'N Brew is cosponsored by the Downtown Red Bluff Business Association and Tehama County CattleWomen.

The event is meant to bring people to the downtown area to showcase area businesses and the beef industry in Tehama County, said Linda Johnson, who provided information on the CattleWomen at their information booth.

It's also just a great place to say, ?Hi,? organizers said.

The combination of beef and beer has proved popular through the years as the event has seen steady growth in attendees and business participation.

Long lines snaked from business to business and outside the Palomino Room, which served samplings of its Texas style barbecue and offered a brief escape from the rain with its sidewalk covering.

Organizers with the Tehama County CattleWomen, the organization that promotes the county's livestock industry, said the event will aid in five agricultural scholarships the group awards.

The college scholarships vary in value but will go toward those who aim to study in the agricultural field or who are interested in moving toward agriculture.

The wet weather did put a damper on the live entertainment scheduled for the event as the Cone & Kimball Plaza was largely uncovered.

--------- Andre Byik can be reached at 527-2151, ext. 111 or at sports@redbluffdailynews.com. Follow him on Twitter: @TehamaSports